Popular Stories

Eagletarian Blog

Former Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin will be announced today as one of the lead Sunday analysts for the NFL Network, but he is starting early with sharing his opinions, especially as it relates to Michael Vick.

Irvin wonders whether McNabb actually lobbied the Eagles to bring in Vick. "I had to question that," Irvin said. "Did McNabb go to (the team) about Vick, or did they come to him."

He also said Vick should not have said after Thursday's game that returning to his role as a quarterback was like riding a bike, suggesting it was easy. "Does (NFL Commissioner) Roger Goodell want you to be the star of the league early? I don't think so. … Somebody should have gotten to Vick and said, 'Let's be humble.' "

The post has a photo of McNabb and Gratz lineman Tamaric Richardson taken after the preseason game against Jacksonville. Richardson is the first winner of the Donovan McNabb/Daily News High School Football Player Award. Writes McNabb, " Brian Dawkins initiated the program last year and I thought it was too good to end. Philadelphia area coaches nominate their best players in terms of their work in the classroom and on the field and their character as well. It was nice to met Tamaric and his mom following the game."

The Daily News is accepting nominations from high school coaches. Please send information about players, including a brief bio, to assistant sports editor Chuck Bausman, at bausmac@phillynews.com.

*

NFL.com's Jason LaConfora blogged that the Patriots have shown interest in A.J. Feeley, assumed to be the pending odd man out in the Eagles' quarterback cluster. He writes that many teams are interested in Feeley, including the St. Louis Rams. The Pats reportedly are releasing backup QB Kevin O'Connell. Hard to see the Birds doing anything, though, until they know the Michael Vick regular-season suspension scenario, which could be from zero to five games. The Eagles aren't going to play with two eligible quarterbacks, at least, not for long.

*

Jeremy Maclin left practice Sunday after falling hard and a little awkwardly, diving for a low Michael Vick throw. The Eagles did not update his status last night. Maclin didn't seem to be seriously hurt.

*

A lot of the focus with summer has been on the Eagles' injuries, but their Week 1 opponent, the Carolina Panthers, are struggling, too, especially on defense.

Run-stuffing defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu ruptured his Achilles' tendon not 30 minutes into the first practice. Jon Beason, Carolina's middle linebacker and team leader, sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee in the second preseason game against Miami and is questionable for the opener. Outside linebacker Thomas Davis is recovering from his own sprained MCL and missed his third straight game Saturday. Free safety Charles Godfrey hopes to be ready for Week 1 despite a broken hand.

Potentially tough times ahead for new defensive coordinator Ron Meeks.